Setting net under the ice

The recent freeze up had many people traveling to specific locations to fish/trap for certain species of fish. To do this, one had to locate a river or slough and pick through the ice to set these nets and/or traps. Here my husband and our friends traveled over the Askinuk mountains to set a white fish net under the ice. The net, 31/2" in mesh was set in one of the many rivers "other side" in hopes that some or all of the three species of white fish we have would get caught and especially the most valued and scarce, lush fish.

The net is spread out on top of the frozen river to measure how far and how many large rectangular holes should be made through the ice to pull the net through. Once they are made, a long pole is used to "hook" a line that is connected to one end of the net and pulled through until it is pulled through all the holes. Large pieces of wood are made and placed on each end of the net much like crosses and those will hold the net in place. Now the net is set and it is checked about once or twice a week.